Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken is a flavorful twist on classic fried chicken. Marinated in tangy dill pickle juice and coated with a savory Parmesan breadcrumb crust, this dish offers a perfect balance of crunch and zest. It’s an easy recipe that turns simple chicken breasts into a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup dill pickle juice (from a jar of pickles)
• 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, whisked
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cooking oil, for frying

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag. Pour the dill pickle juice over the chicken, ensuring they are fully submerged. Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat.
2. Step 2: Prepare three shallow dishes for breading. In the first, combine the flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In the second, place the whisked eggs. In the third, mix the seasoned breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Step 3: Remove the chicken from the pickle juice and pat each piece dry with paper towels. Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour, dip into the whisked eggs, then press firmly into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture to coat evenly.
4. Step 4: Heat about 1/2 inch of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully fry the chicken breasts for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Step 5: Transfer the cooked chicken to a wire rack to drain any excess oil. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving warm to maintain crispiness and juiciness.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps before frying.
• Use homemade breadcrumbs for a fresher texture and flavor.
• Serve with a side of ranch or a dill dipping sauce to complement the pickle flavor.
• If you prefer baked chicken, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes after breading instead of frying.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating crunchy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pickle juice from any type of pickles?

Yes, dill pickle juice is preferred for its tangy flavor, but you can experiment with other pickle varieties if you like, such as spicy or garlic pickles, to add a different twist.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken in pickle juice?

Marinating in pickle juice tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tangy flavor. While it’s optional, skipping this step may result in less flavorful and less moist chicken.

Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 161 reviews

Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken is a flavorful and crunchy dish featuring juicy marinated chicken breasts coated in a zesty blend of dill pickle juice, Parmesan cheese, and seasoned breadcrumbs, then fried to golden perfection.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes to 2 hours 25 minutes (including marinating time)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Marinade

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup dill pickle juice (from a jar of pickles)

Coating

• 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, whisked
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• salt and pepper, to taste

For Frying

• cooking oil, for frying (about 1/2 inch depth in skillet)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag, then pour the dill pickle juice over them. Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes up to 2 hours to infuse the chicken with flavor and tenderness.
2. Prepare Coating Stations: Set up three shallow dishes: one with the flour mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; a second with the whisked eggs; and a third with a mixture of Parmesan cheese and seasoned breadcrumbs.
3. Coat the Chicken: Remove each chicken breast from the brine and pat dry thoroughly. Dredge each piece first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip into the egg wash, and finally press into the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture until fully coated.
4. Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1/2 inch of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil and fry for 5 to 7 minutes per side until they develop a crispy golden brown crust and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Drain and Serve: Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack to drain excess oil. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure maximum juiciness and crispness. Serve hot.

Notes

• Marinating time can be adjusted; longer marinating leads to more flavorful chicken.
• Ensure oil is hot enough before frying to get a crispy crust without absorbing excess oil.
• Use a thermometer to check chicken is cooked through for safety.
• Can be served with dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard for extra flavor.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated but are best enjoyed fresh for crunchiness.

Keywords: crispy chicken, dill pickle chicken, Parmesan chicken, fried chicken, breaded chicken, pickle juice marinade